I got a late start and began birding on the parkway around 9:30 this morning, and did my usual route in reverse. At 3 Ridges Overlook (mm. 13), I saw a few Rose-breasted Grosbeaks and a single Magnolia Warbler.
Magnolia Warbler
Magnolia Warbler
Magnolia Warbler
Magnolia Warbler
Magnolia Warbler
Hickory Springs Overlook and the south end of the cirque (mm. 7.5) were quiet, but I got some interesting birds at the center of the cirque near the large granite outcropping.
First year Cape May Warblers
Cape May Warbler
Blue-headed Vireo, Hooded Warbler, and Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Blue-headed Vireo, Hooded Warbler, and Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Blue-headed Vireo, Hooded Warbler, and Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Female Hooded Warbler
Female Hooded Warbler
Female Hooded Warbler
I got onto Route 610 at mm. 4, and stopped a short way north when I heard (but did not see) a Pine Warbler, and also heard high-frequency chips of another warbler species. There were at least four Black-throated Blue Warblers, three of which were first fall males showing varying amounts of buff underneath and greenish-brown backs. The fourth one was a female.
First fall male Black-throated Blue Warbler
First fall male Black-throated Blue Warbler
First fall male Black-throated Blue Warbler
First fall male Black-throated Blue Warbler
First fall male Black-throated Blue Warbler
First fall male Black-throated Blue Warbler
Female Black-throated Blue Warbler
There was another warbler there that might have been the same female, another female, or perhaps a different warbler species, as it doesn't look quite right to me for a Black-throated Blue, but probably is one.
Female Black-throated Blue Warbler (?)
Female Black-throated Blue Warbler (?)
I saw several non-warbler species along 610.
Scarlet Tanager
Swainson's Thrush
Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Farther north on 610, I encountered another small warbler flock.
American Redstart
Black-throated Green Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
First fall Magnolia Warbler
Blue-headed Vireo
I ended up with about 25 species on the parkway and 610. Not too bad for a late start.